The Flagship of the Russian Soil Science

Abstract

The article tells about the history of the Soil Science Institute conception in Russia within the Academy of Science system and its way of realization, beginning from the time of V.V. Dokuchaev and till the present days. The paper shows the role of V.V.Dokuchaev, F.Yu. Levinson-Lessing, V.I. Vernadskiy and other progressive scientists in this urgent matter. The information about directors and outstanding scientists, who worked in the Soil Institute and dedicated their life to the soil science, is given. The directions and the results of investigation in different periods of history in our country (prewar years – 1927-1940, The Great Patriotic War – 1941-1945, postwar years, including the present post-reform period) are covered.